In its Central Services, the Eurocaja Rural Foundation shared details of the Solidarity Race Against ALS, a community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness and generate funds for ALS research and for services that support patients and their families.
The edition’s five beneficiaries are Adelante CLM, ADELA Madrid, ELA Castilla y León, ADELA Comunidad Valenciana, and ELA Region of Murcia, all operating in the area where Eurocaja Rural conducts its activities. Speaking on behalf of ADELA Comunidad Valenciana, president José Jiménez Aroca expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of the foundation and described how this sports-solidarity project helps raise visibility for ALS. He also provided a concise overview of the disease and the needs voiced by associations and people affected by ALS. He noted that about 4,000 people in Spain live with ALS, with roughly 20% of cases congenital and the rest sporadic, illustrating that ALS can affect anyone. Although there is no cure today, treatment requires ongoing management and can be costly. The aim is to fight until a cure is found or the disease becomes chronic, at which point the foundation will help cover costs and sustain programs that improve quality of life for those affected.
The event was introduced by Julián Cano, director and presenter of CMM’s Héroes Anónimos, and Esther Portillo, an ALS patient and ambassador of the Solidarity Race. They detailed the new edition’s features and the program’s need for projects that provide visibility and direct support in the battle against ALS.
President of the Eurocaja Rural Foundation: “Every step against ALS counts. With everyone’s support, we gain more tools and resources to confront the disease in every edition.”
During his remarks, Javier López Martín, president of the Eurocaja Rural Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to charitable causes. He described how contributions help ALS patients maintain autonomy and, where possible, a life comparable to that of their peers, with access to treatments that protect health and dignity.
He emphasized that October 1 will be an important day for family and solidarity, and urged continued effort to keep the fight against ALS alive. Quoting Juan Ramón Amores, he reflected that life quality matters more than merely counting years. The message was clear: people living with ALS deserve happiness in daily life, with the support of their work, families, and hobbies. The audience was reminded that everyone shares responsibility in this journey.
Gratitude was extended to sponsors, public administrations, beneficiary organizations, and the State Security Forces and Bodies for their backing and participation. “As president of this organization, it is a privilege to have your support in the fight against ALS. The only remaining step is for each of us, along with our families and friends, to join the effort and move beyond the four thousand person mark.”
Toledo City Council and JCCM reviews
Rubén Lozano, councillor for the Toledo City Council responsible for the Tajo River, Environment, and Sport, highlighted the project’s strong commitment to solidarity and sport. He stated that ALS demands a persistent fight and that sports events uniquely combine effort, energy, and community synergy. The race is positioned to attract at least 4,000 participants in person or virtually, creating a broad platform to contribute toward a future where ALS can be effectively addressed. The aim is to foster hope through collective action and accessible opportunities for participation.
Francisco José Armenta Menéndez, General Director of Disability at the JCCM, noted the event’s long history and its eleventh edition, remarking that the initiative has become a positive, enduring fixture since its inception in 2007. He credited the foundation with organizing excellence, helping ensure repeated success year after year. He also acknowledged the regional government’s Third Sector Incentive award, received in January, for initiatives like the Solidarity Race that advance social impact.
Attendees included José Jiménez of ADELA Comunidad Valenciana; David Aroca, Managing Director of ADELANTE CLM; Rosa María García, Director of Communications; Rosa María Sanz, Director of ADELA MADRID; Fernando Santos, board member and social worker for ELA Castilla y León; Ely Motellón, president of ELA Region of Murcia; and representatives from sponsoring companies such as Álvaro de Salas Lasagabaster, Director of Financial Services at MINSAIT, and María José Sáez Pérez, Director of EULEN GROUP Regional Area CLM. Officials from State Security Forces and Institutions were present, including leaders from the Toledo Local Police and other regional security agencies, underscoring the broad support for the initiative and its impact on the community.
Race details
The Solidarity Race Against ALS is scheduled to take place in Toledo on Sunday, October 1, with a virtual edition running from September 25 to October 10 via social media under the hashtag #CarreraSolidariaFundaciónECR.
The edition will feature a fully accessible course and new award categories for participants with disabilities, along with additional enhancements to increase appeal and inclusion. Participants will don newly designed T-shirts, showcasing the distinctive green ribbon for ALS, with JOMA serving as a technical sponsor.
The event offers two main distances, 10 km and 5 km, plus children’s races suitable for all ages. Once again, the event is organized in collaboration with the Toledo City Council and the Municipal Sports Board, along with partner companies and organizations committed to greening the city.
Registrations for the in-person race are open on the official site until September 28 at 14:00, while the virtual race closes on October 1 at 12:00. This year’s registration link is provided on the event page: eurocajarural.fun/carrera.